The big show is finally here. After 50 games played between 24 hopefuls in front of more than 300,000 fans, only two - Brazil and Serbia - stay in the hunt for the Fifa U-20 World Cup trophy at North Harbour Stadium today.
But while the pitting of South America against Europe may follow a familiar storyline, there is no doubting which nation is more accustomed to this stage.
Brazil, after all, are playing in this final for a ninth time and will start as favourites to claim a record-equalling sixth U-20 World Cup title.
Serbia, on the other hand, are participating in the tournament - never mind the final - for the first time as an independent nation, though their Yugoslavian predecessors did secure a famous win in 1987.
But they deserve their spot after a series of stirring performances and look sure to provide the Brazilians with a tough test.
Serbia
The Orlici arrived in New Zealand with designs on going one better than they managed at the 2014 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, when they were knocked out in the semifinals by Portugal on penalties.
But after losing their opening game against Uruguay in a tough group, the outlook was grim. Only the most loyal Serbian supporters would have predicted the five successive wins that would follow.
The secret to Serbia's success is their ability to work as a team, a team where the defenders are the first to attack and the attackers are the first to defend.
But beyond the togetherness and never-say-die spirit the Serbians also have talented individuals within a well-balanced side.
Goalkeeper and captain Predrag Rajkovic has been one of the tournament's best, while Andrija Zivkovic, Nemanja Maksimovic and Sergej Milinkovic provide class and creativity.
The only concern for Serbia heading into today's final is the number of leg-sapping ties they have played over the past 10 days.
They needed extra time to beat Hungary, USA and Mali, and as their energy levels fell in Wednesday's semifinal and the game dragged on, the Serbians looked their most vulnerable. Serbia have already exceeded expectations with their journey to the World Cup final but you wouldn't bet against the steely European nation going one further.
Player to watch: Milos Veljkovic.
The giant central defender is on the books of EPL club Tottenham and has played every minute of Serbia's campaign, during which they've conceded three goals in more than 10 hours of football.
Serbia's road to the final
Group stage
Uruguay 1 Serbia 0
Serbia 2 Mali 0
Serbia 2 Mexico 0
Round of 16: Serbia 2 Hungary 1 (Serbia win after extra time)
Quarter-final: USA 0 Serbia 0 (Serbia win on penalties 5-6)
Semifinal: Serbia 2 Mali 1 (Serbia win after extra time)
Brazil
Brazil arrived in New Zealand a month ago with a double mission.
The Selecaozinha were here to win the tournament - of course - but also to restore some pride in Brazilian football, after the infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup semifinal last year. The South American nation is still recovering from the shock of that night in Belo Horizonte, which left deep wounds.
"I wasn't involved in that tournament personally," said Brazil Under-20 coach Rogerio Micale. "But as a Brazilian I felt it ... felt the pain. This is another team, this is Under-20's, but obviously we want to do well for our country."
Brazil didn't impress in qualifying, only grabbing the fourth and last spot at the South American Championship, which saw their coach sacked and Micale appointed.
They have had mixed form in New Zealand but seem to be hitting their stride at the right time. Before they destroyed a disorganised Senegal team last Wednesday (5-0), they failed to score against either Uruguay or Portugal, and were particularly lucky to progress against the Europeans. On the plus side they have exhibited a defensive solidity not always present in Brazilian teams as well as plenty of fighting spirit, as they recovered from deficits against Nigeria and Hungary in group play.
Their football revolves around playmaker Boschilia (Sao Paulo) with Manchester United's Andreas Pereira another creative option. Goal keeper Jean hasn't been beaten in more than 502 minutes, captain Danilo (Sporting Braga) is the heartbeat of the team with an eye for a goal and Judivan is an effective target man up front.
It won't be easy for Brazil. Few have managed to find a way through the Serbian defensive wall, though the South Americans certainly have the guile to do it. Brazil would equal Argentina's tally of six Under-20 titles with a victory today while only two European teams (France, 2013 and Spain, 1999) have won this tournament since 1991.
Player to watch: Gabriel Jesus. The Palmeiras midfielder has all the tricks and flair you would expect from a player wearing the iconic No 10 shirt, and will be key to unlocking the Serbian defence.
Brazil's road to the final
Groupstage
Brazil 4 Nigeria 2
Brazil 2 Hungary 1
Brazil 3 North Korea 0
Round of 16: Brazil 0 Uruguay 0 (Brazil win on penalties 5-4)
Quarter-final: Brazil 0 Portugal 0 (Brazil win on penalties 3-1)
Semifinal: Brazil 5 Senegal 0
- By Steven Holloway and Michael Burgess, The NZ Herald
